Mobility Assistance Device Distance Tracker
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack a reliable and unobtrusive method to track patient mobility in medical settings, as existing devices are not integrated with mobility assistance devices, are prone to misuse, and do not directly measure distance traveled, which is crucial for effective patient recovery and hospital stay management.
Innovation Solution
A patient mobility assessment device that integrates a distance tracker with mobility assistance devices, such as IV poles, to track distance traveled, speed, and ambulation frequency, providing a non-obtrusive and reliable means for monitoring patient recovery, with a display that can be connected wirelessly or hard-wired, and includes a sensor system using a caster with a magnet to detect wheel rotation, allowing for remote monitoring and data storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wearable device is used to monitor patient activity, then patient mobility can be tracked, but the device is susceptible to misuse and misplacement, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically tracks patient mobility without requiring patient interaction or device wear. The mobility assistance device itself generates and transmits mobility data, making the system self-serving and eliminating compliance issues while maintaining high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The mobility assistance device serves as an intermediary between the patient and the monitoring system. Instead of wearing a device, the patient uses the mobility assistance device, which automatically captures and transmits mobility data, thereby ensuring both reliability and ease of use
2Measurement precision
If GPS devices are worn by patients for monitoring, then distance walked can be measured, but the device is not integrated with mobility assistance devices used in medical settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the mobility assistance device with the monitoring function. The mobility assistance device incorporates sensors and communication capabilities to directly measure and transmit mobility data, combining support and measurement functions into a single integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The mobility assistance device serves multiple functions: providing physical support to the patient, measuring mobility parameters through integrated sensors, and transmitting data to the monitoring system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate wearable devices
3Loss of information
If existing locating devices are used to track medical items, then device location can be determined, but distance traveled by patients cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces simple location tracking with a more advanced measurement system that uses wheel rotation sensors to directly measure distance traveled. This substitution of measurement mechanism enables precise distance measurement while maintaining continuous tracking information
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and reliable tracking of patient mobility parameters, facilitating early and safe ambulation, potentially shortening hospital stays by providing caregivers with accurate data for tailored recovery protocols, while being cost-effective and easy to retrofit onto existing devices.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to detect each rotation of the wheel by the passage of the magnet past the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are patient mobility assessment devices having a mobility assistance device with an incorporated distance tracker for use in assessing the ambulation of a recovering medical patient. The distance tracker can be integrated into or removably attached to the mobility assistance device. The information obtained may be displayed on the mobility assistance device and/or at a nurse's station or other remote location for convenient monitoring of patient ambulation. Also provided herein are methods for evaluating patient ambulation using the mobility assessment device and optionally, provision of therapeutic ambulation protocols to a display on the device to assist with patient physical therapy and recovery.